How to hold haircutting shears properly

Knowing how to hold the shears properly is the first step toward giving a precision scissor cut.  Surprisingly, mastering this skill is trickier than it may seem- it requires a steady hand and a lot of practice.  In the following article, I discuss the basics when it comes to holding the shears- a must-read for all of you do-it-yourself haircutters out there!

(read the article here)

Causes of Abnormal Hair Growth

Hirsutism is a term which refers to excessive or abnormal hair growth.  Just as baldness is a blanket term which may include pattern baldness, alopecia, or trichotillomania, "hirsutism" is a blanket term which applies to various conditions resulting in excessive hair growth.  Moderate and severe hirsutism is referred to as hypertrichosis, and may include localized hypertrichosis (abnormal hair growth on one specific part of the body), or generalized hypertrichosis (abnormal hair growth on the entire body).  Hypertrichosis can also be congenital (present from birth), or acquired (developing over time).

Since there are many different types of hirsutism, there are also many different causes of hirsutism.   Here are some of the most common causes of hirsutism or hypertrichosis:

Hormones:  Testosterone and estrogen are the two hormones which most directly impact hair growth.  These hormones are present in both males and females to varying degrees.  Mild hirsutism can often occur in older women, since females produce higher levels of testosterone as they age.  Hormone replacement therapy may be a viable option for those who suffer from mild hirsutism caused by hormonal imbalance.  Mild hirsutism can also be treated by shaving, waxing, or electrolysis.

Genetics:  Although genetics account for a relatively small percentage of those who suffer from hirsutism, it is one possible cause of hirsutism or hypertrichosis.  Some forms of generalized congenital hypertrichosis, for example, are often linked to genetics.  Since there is no "cure" for genetic hirsutism, treatments often include shaving, waxing, or electrolysis.

Medications:  There are many drugs and medications which result in hypertrichosis.  Some drugs, like minoxidil, are specifically used to grow hair.  In other drugs, hirsutism is an unwanted side effect.  Drug-induced hirsutism has been linked to the following drugs and medications: acetazolamide, cyclosporine, diazoxide, latanoprost, psoralen, and streptomycin.

Porphyria:  Porphyria is a systemic disease which often occurs with exposure to certain chemicals.  Hexachlorobenzine, which is a chemical fungicide sometimes used in agriculture, is one such chemical which may lead to hepatic porphyria.  Hirsutism is a common symptom in some forms of porphyria, including hepatic porphyria.

Injury:

Some experts believe there is a link between cerebral injuries and some generalized forms of hirsutism.  Until recently, it was believed that phenytoin, a drug used to treat brain injuries, was responsible for this type of hirsutism.  However, recent studies have found that generalized hirsutism is common in patients suffering from brain injuries who have never taken phenytoin.


Malnutrition:

 Low-carbohydrate diets have been linked to vellus hypertrichosis, which affects the growth of hair on the arms and legs.  This form of hirsutism has also been linked to anorexia, bulemia, and other eating disorders.
Cancer:  Specific types of hirsutism, such as localized acquired hypertrichosis, can be a symptom of some forms of cancer.

With so many various causes of hirsutism and hypertrichosis, it is difficult to find a "cure" to this condition.  In some cases, such as acquired hypertrichosis, hirsutism may even indicate a more serious health condition such as cancer or porphyria.  Therefore, before beginning any treatment for hirsutism, it is a good idea to seek professional medical advice.

Author's Note:  A very extensive and informative guide on the various forms of hypertrichosis can be found online at: http://www.hypertrichosis.com
Sources:  Hordinsky, Maria K.; Amy J. McMichael (2008). Hair and Scalp Diseases: Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Treatments (Basic and Clinical Dermatology).
Clark, Jennifer (October). http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatolo gytimes/issue/issueDetail.jsp?id=10462
Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology (Milady Publishing, 2000).

Vintage Picture of Unknown Barbershop

Unidentified barbershop, circa 1900?

Picture of a Barbershop in Grant, Michigan, circa 1903

Barbershop in Grant, Michigan, 1903

How To Tweeze Eyebrows

As a professional stylist, I've encountered hundreds of male clients who sported a "unibrow".  Based on my 13 years of professional experience, I've discovered two interesting facts: (1) Most men with a unibrow would like to take care of the problem, and (2) Many of these men are too self-conscious to have their brows waxed or tweezed in a salon.

If you're a man who secretly longs to have two eyebrows instead of one, here's a helpful article which will teach you the basics of tweezing so that you can take care of the problem discretely, in the comfort of your own home: How To Tweeze Eyebrows

Don't Miss the World Beard and Moustache Championships!

If you're a fan of facial hair, the annual World Beard and Moustache Championships is like dying and going to hair heaven.  Since the 2012 Beard Team USA championships are coming up on November 11 at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater in Las Vegas, here is a brief overview of the World Beard and Moustache Championships.

History

The championships date back to 1990, when the event was organized in a small village in the Black Forest of Germany.  Since 1995, the championships have been held every two years.  These events have been held in Trondheim, Norway (1997), Ystad, Sweden (1999), Germany (2001), Carson City, Nevada (2003), Berlin (2005), London (2007), and Anchorage, Alaska (2009).

Categories

Just about every type of facial hair style is represented at the world championships.  Some of the categories include: natural mustache, English mustache, Hungarian mustache, Dali mustache, Imperial mustache, freestyle, Fu Manchu, natural goatee, and several others.

If you're going to Las Vegas, here are some things to remember:

-the competition is open to everyone, regardless of nationality
-the competition will feature 17 different categories
-registration is $40
-spectator admission cost is $10
-more details can be found at BeardTeamUSA.org

Industry Icon and True Man of Style Vidal Sassoon Dead at 84

Those of us in the beauty industry have lost a legend today with the passing of Vidal Sassoon, the pioneer who single-handedly brought the art of hair out of the dark ages.  Sassoon, who was 84, died of natural causes in his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family.  Sassoon devoted seven decades of his life to the industry and became a household name so recognizable that some people may be surprised to learn that he was a real human being, and not some advertising icon like Aunt Jemima or Betty Crocker.  This just shows how iconic Vidal was- millions of people around the world know the name, even if they didn't know the man.

Those of us who did know Sassoon, either directly or indirectly, realize that the world has lost an artist on par with the likes of Andy Warhol or Jackson Pollock.  Vidal revolutionized the art of hairstyling to such an extent that we may not even have the world "hairstylist" in our lexicon without his contributions.  Before Sassoon, the concept of "wash and wear" hair did not exist.  He was the visionary who turned hairstyling into a distinctive and separate art form from hairdressing, which is an art characterized by elaborate swirls and bobby pins and rollers and teasing and lacquering the hair with spray.  Sassoon's work was a radical departure from the age-old art of hairdressing; Sassoon taught the world about short geometric cuts, performed with such incredible precision that the hair would fall perfectly into place, without the need for "hairdressing" tools like irons and pins.  This transition is no less significant (and perhaps even more so) than the abstract expressionism or pop art movements, which also took place during Sassoon's prime.

Sassoon's contributions may have had an even greater impact than the contributions made by Warhol or Pollock.  In the 1960s, Americans changed their perception about women as more and more females assumed control of their lives by entering the workforce.  This shift in gender equality demanded hairstyles which would not require a two-hour visit to a beauty salon.  Vidal Sassoon was there to liberate women from the "oppressive" hairstyles of the past by perfecting the types of styles which we've come to know as "wash and wear"- many of these Sassoon-inspired looks are still among the most popular hairstyles requested today, nearly half a century after Sassoon created them!

In other words, every woman who doesn't spend an ungodly amount of time in the bathroom every morning primping and styling owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Vidal Sassoon.  Every hairstylist who designs haircuts based on a woman's facial features and bone structure owes a debt of gratitude to Vidal Sassoon as well, because he was the pioneer who taught us how to customize a look for a client, rather than pinning up the hair in a bland French twist or a generic beehive, as most of his contemporaries did.  And every stylist who prides himself on cutting hair with laser-like precision owes a debt of gratitude to Sassoon, because his techniques are still being taught to cosmetology students today.

Sassoon was also a driving force when it came to the consumer aspect of hairstyling, which is not surprising since most of us first heard of his name through blowdryers, shampoo, hairspray, and other beauty products which bore his name on the label.  Up until the 1980s, very few hairstylists were known by name outside of the beauty industry, and even fewer had their names emblazoned on products which could be bought in virtually any drugstore or supermarket.  The company's slogan, "If you don't look good, we don't look good", became almost as iconic as Vidal himself.  Prior to the 1980s, it was nearly impossible for a woman to walk into a store and purchase a blowdryer or curling iron right from the shelf, or buy a shampoo which was formulated to be "salon-inspired".  Before Sassoon, the typical woman would have to go to the local beauty parlor to have her hair dried with a blowdryer, or to buy a shampoo that wasn't Breck or Prell or Suave.  Vidal Sassoon paved the way for Jose Eber, Nick Arrojo, Chaz Dean, and other "superstar stylists" whose names grace various haircare products.

Today, we erroneously credit Vidal Sassoon as being the inventor of iconic shorter-length cuts such as the bob or the pixie.  Although Sassoon didn't invent these cuts, many of us think he did, and this is a tribute to his influence, much the way we tend to think that McDonald's invented the hamburger or that Coca-Cola invented soda pop.  The bob was invented in the early 20th century and by the 1920s it was the go-to look for flappers and actresses- in fact, the fashion correspondent of The Times stated, in 1922, that bobbed hair was passé.  It was Vidal Sassoon who resurrected this old-time hairstyle and re-invented it for a new generation.  Nearly all modern bobs resemble the variations developed by Sassoon, rather than the bob that was popular in the Roaring Twenties.  Sassoon is also given credit for developing the pixie, which he designed for Mia Farrow in the 1960s.  However, barbers in Italy had been performing this cut on women since the early 1950s (Remember the 1953 Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holiday?).  Sassoon may not have invented these particular styles, but he sure as hell perfected them to such an extent that we assume he was the originator.  That, my friends, is proof of his genius and ability.

Rest in peace, Vidal.  We will miss you.

How to tell if you're going bald....

Going bald is bad enough, but even worse are those pitiable gentlemen among us who are going bald but like to pretend that they are not.  These are the fellows with the comb-over hairstyle; a monstrosity of grooming where hair from one side of the head is dragged across the skull, in a pathetic attempt to camouflage an ever-growing expanse of scalp.  These poor men live every day of their lives in a state of denial, earning the jeers and laughter that comes their way.  In order to prevent one's self from becoming a laughingstock, a man must learn to identify the early warning signs of impending baldness.  Here is how to tell if you are going bald.

1. When you walk outside on a sunny day, you find that people have to shield their eyes around you in order to avoid the glare from your scalp.

2. You suddenly realize that a bottle of shampoo lasts much, much longer than it used to.

3. Your favorite hat doesn't quite fit the way that it used to.

4. When you look into the drain after the shower, you think that you are looking at a drowned rat.

5. Your forehead seems to be growing in height every year.

6. When you drive in a convertible with the wind blowing through your hair, you feel a little chillier than you used to.

7. When you are around friends, they have a sudden urge to bowl.

8. When you are around friends, they have a sudden urge for watermelon.

9. When you are around friends, they have a sudden urge for hard-boiled eggs.

10. When you raise your head after falling asleep on a leather couch, you hear a sound like someone peeling the backing off of a Fruit Roll-Up.

If you happen to recognize any of the above signs, then it just may be time to admit that you are losing your hair.  But fear not, my balding friend.  The best thing a man in your situation can do is to accept Mother Nature's kick-in-the-pants with grace and dignity, instead of trying to convince the world that you are as hairy as you were back in high school.  After all, lots of women find bald to be sexy.  Of course, I can't seem to think of any off the top of my head, but I'm sure they must exist.  But then again, they are doing some amazing things with toupees and hair transplant surgery these days.

(Editor's Note: "How To Tell If You're Going Bald" appears courtesy of Gus Muldoon)

How to Prevent Post-Shave Itching

Itching is a common occurrence for many people after shaving.  This itching is often the result of millions of microscopic abrasions on the surface of the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin.  Left unattended, these micro-abrasions will often heal within a day or two, although the itching may last longer if the skin is irritated by certain ingredients found in low-quality shaving creams, soaps, gels, and lotions.

Fortunately, it is easy to prevent post-shave itching.  The first step is invest in higher-quality shaving supplies.  Cheap disposable razors will result in a greater amount of skin abrasions, which will result in more itching.  Low-quality shaving creams can also intensify the itching sensation.  Shaving creams and gels containing aloe, dimethicone, silicone, and other natural and synthetic emolients (ingredients which soften skin) will help reduce itching and soothe the skin while shaving.  Dimethicone and silicone also help the razor glide over the skin more easily, reducing abrasions and irritation.

The next step is to practice proper shaving technique.  Using warm water will soften the hair, making shaving easier.  Allow the shaving cream to sit on the skin for a minute or two prior to shaving; this will also help soften the hair.  Rinse the blade after each pass with the razor, since a clogged razor can lead to cuts and nicks.  It is important to shave "with" rather than "against" the grain of the hair (the direction in which the hair grows).  While shaving "against the grain" will result in a closer shave, it will also increase the possibility of cuts, nicks, abrasions, itching, and ingrown hairs.  Stretching the skin taut with your free hand while shaving will also help minimize itching and irritation.  If the itching still persists, one easy trick is use an unscented stick deodorant on the afflicted area.  The aluminum oxide found in most deodorants will soothe the skin and absorb excess moisture on the surface of the skin, which will reduce irritation, redness, and itching.

Finally, it is essential to practice good basic skincare.  Healthy skin is much more resistant to micro-abrasions than dry or dehydrated skin.  Proper skincare is easily achieved by drinking plenty of water, using a moisturizing lotion daily, and exfoliating the skin a few times per month to remove dead skin cells.

By investing in better quality shaving products, practicing proper shaving technique, and practicing proper skin maintenance, post-shave itching and burning will become a thing of the past.

Early 1900s Barbershop, Indiana

Haircoloring Tips For Men

While many women openly discuss coloring their hair, men tend to be more discreet. Some men may consider coloring their hair to be effeminate, while others are simply afraid to acknowledge the fact that they are getting older. Even though many young men of today like to experiment with haircolor, the overwhelming majority of men who decide to color their hair do so in an attempt to cover and conceal gray hair. If this is your reason for experimenting with haircolor, here are a few tips to keep in mind:


1. Don't go too dark. Nothing looks more ridiculous on a man than a bad dye job. Very few men over the age of forty have black hair, so going too dark is a sure way to look like you dyed you hair in your own bathroom with a box of Just For Men.

2. Consider blending your gray, rather than covering it. In order to cover gray hair, you will need a permanent dye, which can be quite messy. Semi-permanent dyes blend in gray, allowing you to gradually darken your hair over time, which looks more natural. Best of all, semi-permanent dye doesn't take as long to process and it washes off of your skin easier.

3. Wear gloves. Some dyes don't come off of the skin very easily, and it is much easier to put on a pair of latex disposable gloves than to explain to everyone why your hands are covered in brown blotches.

4. Protect your hairline. If you are trying to pull off a natural look, the last thing you want is haircolor stains on your forehead, ears, and other parts of your skin. In order to prevent staining, coat the skin you wish to protect with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or skin cream.

5. Protect your clothing. Even temporary dyes can permanently ruin clothing. When coloring your hair, wear clothing that you don't mind getting stained. Also, if you rinse out your hair in the shower, make sure you don't use a white towel to dry your hair with. Your wife or girlfriend will be very upset.

6. Go to a professional. Sometimes it's just easier to pay a professional to do the job. They are trained to know what shades look best, and which shades to avoid. Best of all, there's no mess to clean up afterwards.

7. Maintenance. Coloring your hair is not a one-time thing; it requires upkeep. All dyes will fade a little over time, so the hair should be re-colored every six weeks or so. This will also prevent your "roots" from showing.

8. Know the limits of what your dye can do. Don't go by the pictures on the box. For example, someone with naturally dark hair will never be able to dye their hair blonde using a box color. The dye simply isn't strong enough, and you will be left with orange hair. Even the strongest professional dyes can only lighten hair a few shades. In order to lighten the hair drastically, you will need bleach.

9. Use the right shampoos and conditioners. Hair that has been dyed is considered chemically treated, therefore it will require different products. Using shampoos that are too harsh will strip the color from your hair.

10. Timing is everything. Always follow the processing time listed in the directions. Leaving the dye on too long may cause the color to become too dark, and not leaving the color on long enough may cause premature fading.

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Body Shaving Tips For Men

A man may have many different reasons for deciding to shave his body.  For some, it is a matter of comfort.  For others, it is simply an aesthetic preference.  Some men may opt to shave their body for athletic purposes, and still others simply shave their bodies because they were requested to do so by their wives or girlfriends.  If you are a man who is contemplating shaving beyond the face, here are a few tips you should know.

1. Trim down the hair with a set of clippers first.  If you attempt to shave hair that is too long, it will require dozens of additional strokes with your razor.  This not only leads to a duller razor, but increased skin irritation as well.  The shorter the hair is prior to shaving, the less work your razor will have to perform.

2.  Allow the body hair to soften, using hot water.  The best time to shave your body is while you are in the shower, but only after the steam and hot water has softened the hair, making it easier to shave.  In other words, don't begin shaving right away.  Instead, give the heat and steam two or three minutes to penetrate into the hair.  You can also soften the hair by allowing shaving cream or gel to sit on the area for a few minutes prior to shaving.

3.  Shave the most sensitive areas first.  While your razor is at its sharpest, focus on delicate and sensitive areas.  As the razor begins to dull you can move on to less-sensitive areas, such as the chest or legs.

4.  Never shave using soap as lather.  If you use shaving cream on your face, then use it on the rest of your body as well.  Shaving creams and gels contain emollients which will protect and condition the skin, unlike regular soap.

5. One secret for eliminating shaving rashes, irritation, and ingrown hairs is to apply unscented stick deodorant to the skin immediately after shaving.  The aluminum oxide found in most stick deodorants will stop bleeding of minor nicks and cuts, and will absorb excess moisture that can lead to a rash or irritation.

Follow these five tips and you will be able to shave any part of the body with ease, comfort, and confidence.

How to Avoid Nicks and Cuts While Shaving

If you are tired of leaving your bathroom each morning with tiny toilet paper squares stuck to your face to repair the damage you have done while shaving, then this article is especially for you.  Nicks and cuts, much like taxes and women, are an often annoying inevitability of life.  This article might not help you get out of hot water with the IRS or your wife, but these tips will certainly help you "save face" while shaving.

1.  Pressure is everything.  Most of us apply too much pressure while shaving, probably out of habit from shaving with cheap disposable razors.  Most razors on the market, especially those with multiple blades, will only require a light touch while shaving.  By simply reducing pressure while shaving, you will reduce nicks and cuts.

2.  Never shave on dry skin.  Shaving on wet skin has many benefits.  The razor will glide over the skin easier, and the hair will be softer and easier to shave.  Even with the best shaving creams or gels, you will always want to make sure that your skin is wet.

3.  Don't shave against the grain.  Shaving in the direction that the hair grows will result in significantly less irritation and it will also prevent ingrown hairs.  Of course, your shave won't be as close, but this might be a small price to pay if you are prone to cutting or nicking yourself.

4.  Hold the skin taut while shaving.  With your free hand, pull the skin taut in the area you are shaving.  It will be much harder to cut yourself this way.

5.  Keep your razor clean.  Rinse your razor with hot water after every stroke.  If hair builds up between the blades of your razor, you will be far more likely to cut or nick yourself while shaving.  A clean razor equals a clean shave.

6.  Don't rush.  Most cuts occur when a man is in a hurry.  Just as driving a car around curves at a high speed will result in a crash, shaving around the curves of your face at a high rate of speed will result in a cut.

7.  Keep your skin moisturized.  If you have chronically dry skin, you will suffer from more nicks and cuts.  Men who keep their skin soft with lotion or moisturizing cream will suffer less from nicks and cuts because the razor will have a smoother surface to glide over.

These seven tips are guaranteed to reduce a wide variety of shaving mishaps, from nicks and cuts to razor burn, irritation, and ingrown hairs.

Shaving Tips: Why You Should Start With a Clean Face

A clean shave begins with a clean face.  If your face is not clean prior to shaving, you are leaving the door wide open for a variety of problems such as rashes, irritation, cuts, and nicks.  For a shaving razor to work effectively, it must be able to glide over the skin with a minimal amount of resistance.  Things such as dirt, dead skin cells, and residue from soap and other cleansers inhibit a razor's ability to glide over the skin.

When cleansing the face, avoid using products such as bar soap, hand soap, or body wash.  These products leave a thin layer of film on the skin which not only makes it harder to shave, but may also clog skin pores as well.  A smarter choice would be to use a product especially made for cleaning the face.  Facial cleansers are more mild, and they will not clog pores or leave residue behind.

If you have oily skin, it is a good idea to use a toner after using your facial cleanser.  A toner is an astringent liquid, usually containing alcohol or witch hazel, which dries excess oil and kills bacteria.  Apply a small amount of toner to a clean dry towel and gently wipe the face after you have used your facial cleanser.  A good toner will not only remove oil and unclog pores, but it will also keep your skin sanitized and germ-free.  Always use toner before shaving, however, since the alcohol content will cause stinging on irritated or broken skin.

Many men will also benefit from using an exfoliant once or twice per week.  An exfoliant is kind of like Ajax or Comet cleanser for your face; it scours away dead skin cells that are on the surface of the skin.  These dead cells make your skin appear dull, old, tired, and dry.  Removing these dead skin cells on a regular basis will instantly make you look healthier and younger (this is why your wife or girlfriend probably uses an exfoliant).  One important thing to remember is to never shave immediately after exfoliating because exfoliation will heighten your skin's sensitivity, which may result in increased redness or irritation from shaving.  Instead, exfoliate the night before if you like to shave in the morning.

These tips will not only result in a better shave with less irritation, but will also keep your skin looking its best.  

How to Groom a Thick Beard

Grooming a thick beard will require different techniques than are needed for maintaining a simple mustache or a goatee.  A thick beard will require regular grooming around once per month in order to maintain the beard's shape and to keep the facial hair in optimal condition.  An ungroomed beard, on the other hand, will not only look sloppy and unkempt, but it will make the man wearing the beard appear older.

In order to groom a thick beard, you will need to invest in the right tools and products.  If you have a battery-powered mustache or beard trimmer, do yourself a favor and toss it out the window.  The motor will not be powerful enough to navigate through a beard that is coarse, thick, or wiry.  Get yourself a set of trimmers or haircutting clippers that have to be plugged into an electrical outlet.  Think of the wimpy battery-powered trimmer as a Toyota Prius.  You need something more like a Ford F-150.

Before trimming the beard, you will want to use a comb to make sure that the beard is combed free of tangles.  Use the largest size clipper guard to groom the beard, and work your way down to a smaller guard until you have found the size that gives you the desired length.  Once you have found the right sized guard, this is the one you should use once or twice a month in order to maintain the beard's shape and length.

If you have a steady hand, you can remove the guard from your trimmers or clippers and use the blade for edging.  Edging refers to shaving along the edges of the beard in order to give it a neater, cleaner appearance and outline.  You can use a variety of tools for edging, such as neck trimmers, clippers, or even a regular shaving razor.

The final step in beard grooming is maintaining the health and condition of the facial hair.  A beard should be cleaned regularly using a mild shampoo.  Ordinary soap will leave the beard feeling rough and coarse.  Some men also choose to use a conditioner on their beard as well, in order to soften the hair and to keep it looking shiny and healthy.

By following these simple grooming tips, you will be able to keep your beard looking its best.

Uneven Goatee? These Tips Are For You!

An uneven goatee on a man is much like a picture hanging unevenly on a wall.  The unevenness may be unnoticeable to those who are constantly in the presence of the object, but it will look just plain wrong to strangers.  Getting an even goatee can be a challenge because very few men, while shaving, stare directly straight into the mirror.  Most of us tilt or turn our heads when shaving, and this is the reason why it is tricky to get a goatee that is even and symmetrical.

How can a man be sure that his goatee is even?  The only reliable way is to use some sort of measuring device, such as a ruler or a tape measure.  Of course, very few men are picky enough about their facial hair to accurately measure the dimensions of their beards or goatees.  One quicker way to measure the evenness of a goatee is by using a straight, narrow object, such as a pencil, wooden popsicle stick, or even a piece of string.

With your straight object, along with an eyebrow pencil, look directly into the mirror.  Line up your straight object with the tip of your nose and then locate the exact center of your chin.  Using your eyebrow pencil, put a mark on your chin indicating this point.  Now that you have established the exact center of your chin, you can see if both sides are even.  If the left side of your goatee is, say, 1/16th of an inch wider than the right, shave 1/16th of an inch off from the right side.

You can also use a straight object to establish the width of your goatee.  Holding your straight object vertically, line up the object with the corner of the mouth, and then draw a mark on the chin.  Do this on the other side as well.  A goatee should be no wider than the corners of the mouth, or else it will make the face look excessively round.

Even if your goatee is perfectly even and symmetrical, it can appear uneven if the density of the facial hair is not consistent.  It is not unusual to have some areas of the chin where the hair grows in thicker and fuller than others.  This problem can easily be fixed by using an eyebrow pencil to pencil in sparse areas.

These tips will allow you to grow and maintain a goatee that is balanced an even, whether you are in the beginning stages of growing one, or whether you've had a goatee for years.

How to Use a Shaving Brush

The shaving brush has been a staple of men's grooming since it was first used in France in the mid 18th century. These brushes often became a status symbol, and throughout history have been made from exquisite materials such as ivory, whale bone, and precious metals. The bristles of a finely-made shaving brush are made from badger hair, and even today the best brushes can cost several thousands of dollars.

There are many less-expensive shaving brushes available for men, some of which are made of synthetic bristles or boar bristles. The badger hair brushes are still considered top-of-the-line, however, because of the rarity of the material and the quality of the hair. Among badger hair brushes, silvertip badger hair is considered the Rolls-Royce of materials. A badger hair shaving brush can cost between ten dollars and ten thousand dollars, depending on the quality of the hair and the material used to make the handle.

The shaving brush has two distinct purposes. The first is to gently exfoliate dead skin cells from the face and to gently raise the hairs on the face, allowing for better results. Applying shaving cream by hand pushes the stubble flat against the face, and the result is more irritation and an increased chance of nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.

The second purpose of a shaving brush is to create a rich thick lather. This is done with shaving soap (not a cream), and a scuttle. A scuttle is the technical term for a shaving mug. Shaving brushes, especially those made from badger hair, hold a significant amount of water. This water is mixed with the glycerin-based shaving soap in a scuttle, and is agitated by hand in order to produce a lather. High-quality shaving brushes will hold more water, resulting in a thicker lather.

If you are a man on the go, then a shaving brush may not be right for you. A shaving brush, straight razor, shaving soap and a scuttle are for those gentlemen who enjoy and respect the time-honored art and ritual of shaving. These are the types of refined gentlemen who savor the grooming experience, as opposed to rushing through it. Of course, top quality soaps, scuttles, and brushes are expensive, but most men who use them will agree that once you have mastered the fine art of shaving, nothing else will do.

If you're new to the "art of shaving", here are some great products to get you started:

The Best Shaving Cream

Most men give little thought to shaving cream.  However, there is a vast "underworld" of shaving products, from simple cans of shaving cream to super-expensive European shaving soaps.  This shaving sub-culture is a multi-million dollar industry, led by manufacturers who have been involved in the fine art of shaving since the 18th and 19th centuries.  For example, a tiny container of Truefitt and Hill shaving cream will set you back about forty dollars.  A small tin of Pehaligon's of London shaving soap costs about seventy dollars.

While there are dozens of luxury brands of men's grooming products, one of the best shaving creams is probably on the shelf of your local supermarket, or perhaps even in your medicine cabinet right now.  This shaving cream has been around since the 1920s and has become an American icon.  In fact, it has been endorsed in advertisements by the likes of Babe Ruth and Knute Rockne, and is even mentioned by name in the classic musical "Guys and Dolls".  Best of all, a can of this product can be purchased for less money than a gallon of gas on most areas.  Of course, I'm talking about Barbasol.

Invented by an MIT professor during the 1920s, this product has been a staple of men for nearly a century.  The longevity of this brand name alone is proof that Barbasol is a superior product.  While many American brands come and go, only the best manage to survive through World Wars and economic depressions and the changing tastes of society.  These rare brands include Ford, Coca-Cola, and Barbasol.

Barbasol is an exceptional shaving cream because it produces an extremely rich and thick lather, which brings back memories of old time barbershops.  In recent years, Barbasol has added different formulations to their product line, as well as the tried-and-true original formula which has been a favorite for nearly a century.

While the original formula is a great product for most men, the Soothing Aloe variety of Barbasol is a must-have for those with sensitive skin.  It features the famous rich and thick lather of the original product, with the healing and soothing powers of aloe.  The Soothing Aloe variety is perfect for men who also prefer to shave beyond the face; the moisturizers and emollients do a fine job of minimizing razor bumps, redness, and irritation.

How to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hairs are an inevitable part of life for those who shave regularly.  An ingrown hair is the result of hair that has been cut or shaved so short that the remaining hair recedes below the surface of the skin.  As this hair continues to grow, it becomes lodged under the surface of the skin.  The resulting condition may produce a swollen red bump of the surface of the skin that is usually painful to the touch.

There are numerous treatments for ingrown hairs, such as extraction with tweezers or the application of a topical solution, usually containing glycolic acid.  Most ingrown hairs can be easily extracted with tweezers, although this treatment may result in possible infection.  If extracting an ingrown hair with tweezers, it is a good idea to wash your hands first and sanitize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol in order to prevent the risk of infection.

Prevention of ingrown hairs can usually be achieved by making changes in one's shaving routine.  Those with curly hair are especially prone to ingrown hairs, as well as those with thick or coarse hair.  If you have curly hair or coarse hair, the best way to avoid this condition is by shaving the hair in the direction in which the hair grows, rather than in the opposite direction.  This, of course, will result in a shave that is not as close, but it will certainly prevent ingrown hairs since the cut hairs won't recede below the surface of the skin.

There are also a variety of home remedies which can be used to treat ingrown hairs.  One popular remedy is applying unscented stick deodorant to the shaved area.  Unscented stick deodorant contains aluminum oxide, which absorbs excess moisture from the skin and helps to reduce redness and irritation caused by shaving.  There are many store-bought products that are designed to treat ingrown hairs as well, such as Tend Skin.  This liquid is applied to the skin after shaving and is quite effective at treating ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Try it, it's amazing!


Although ingrown hairs are a minor condition which rarely develops into a more dangerous condition, one should be careful not to damage the skin by squeezing or picking at the inflamed area.  In most cases, an ingrown hair will go away on its own without any treatment within a few days.

Dry Skin Tips for Men

An article with some easy steps you can take in order to prevent dry skin, written especially for men.

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/650125_dry-skin-tips-for-men

Vintage Postcard of a Barbershop in Ohio

Head Shaving Tips: Getting That Shiny Look

Having no hair is wonderfully liberating. No more bad hair days, and no more expensive trips to the salon or waiting your turn at the barbershop. Simply lather up each morning with shaving cream and shave your haircare worries away. While maintaining the bald look is easy, the best way to maximize the visual appeal of a shaved head is by adding shine to the scalp. Here a few tips that will allow you to add more "chrome" to your "dome".

Practice good shaving technique. For a scalp to shine, it is a good idea to minimize razing bumps, nicks, and scrapes. This means doing away with cheap disposable razors and upgrading to something better, like a Gillette Mach 3 or a Schick Quattro. Also be sure to use a shaving gel or cream with extra conditioning ingredients like aloe.

Use lotion or moisturizing cream. If you are bald or have a shaved head, the scalp will be exposed to wind, sun, and other elements that may strip moisture from the skin. Use an unscented lotion or moisturizing cream daily in order to maintain a healthy moisture balance. A well-moisturized scalp is a healthy scalp, and if you are bald or shave your head this step is important if you want your head to shine.

Oil the scalp. This is the final step, and the step that will allow you to get that shiny bald look. Not only will oil provide a deep shine, it will also protect the scalp from being chapped by the wind in the winter and burned by the sun in the summer. Far and away, the best oil for this job is olive oil. Used for centuries for haircare and skincare purposes, olive oil provides miraculous conditioning qualities as well as nutrients to the scalp. For best results, massage a dime-sized drop of olive oil onto the scalp after shaving and applying lotion. This finishing touch will protect the scalp and make it shine. Coconut, almond, jojoba, and grapeseed oils also work well, although they are more expensive.

Basically, that's all there is to getting that shiny bald look that will turn heads. It all comes down to three simple steps: good shaving technique with quality shaving products, basic scalp care with a moisturizing lotion, and olive oil as a finishing touch.

Fashion: Classic Men's Accessories

In the world of men's fashion, little thought is often given to wardrobe accessories. However, a man's accessories are a better reflection of individuality and refined taste than the clothing itself. Wearing a baseball cap with an Armani suit can completely detract from a man's overall appearance, however wearing a fedora with jeans and a dress shirt can complete a man's appearance. They say the devil is in the details, and this is especially true when it comes to men's fashion. Here are a few essential classic accessories for men:

1. Belts. A belt can say a lot about a person, and I'm not even talking about a belt buckle emblazoned with a vehicle logo, sports team logo, or favorite Nascar driver. Belts do not need to be fancy, they only need to be functional and match the rest of the wardrobe. A black leather belt is a must in every man's wardrobe, since it can be worn with virtually any outfit. Belt width should depend on the style of pants. High-waisted or pleated pants look best with a narrow belt, while most other types of pants look best with wider belts.

2. Hats. It is truly a shame that we live in a generation where hats are no longer part of standard men's attire. It is hard to imagine certain men without hats, such as Frank Sinatra or Humphrey Bogart. Today, men are limited to two choices: cowboy hats or baseball caps. Neither of these are bound to make a fashion statement. If you truly want to make a statement, get yourself a fedora, making sure to wear it at a slightly jaunty angle.

3. Money Clips. What is the difference between an executive and a truck driver? One has a money clip, the other has a wallet. A sterling-silver monogrammed money clip is a sure bet for any black-tie affair. Wallets have no place in formal men's attire, since they are often bulky and can leave an unsightly bulge in your pants. However, if you must carry a wallet to a formal occasion, carry it in a front pocket, never the rear pocket. Ever rent a tuxedo and wonder why the back pants pocket is sewn shut? Now you have your answer.

4. Handkerchief. There ought to be a law requiring a handkerchief in the left breast pocket of every suit jacket. Forget pocket squares; those little scraps of fabric designed to replace the traditional linen handkerchief. Pocket squares are the equivalent of clip-on neckties. There are several different folds for men's handkerchiefs, some fluffy, some pointy. I prefer the classic British method, which is not a fold at all. With the handkerchief on a flat surface it, grab the center with your thumb and forefinger. With your other hand, form a ring and pull the handkerchief through the hole. Fold in half and insert into the pocket, pointy side out. Make sure your handkerchief is starched, or else it will hang pitifully out of the pocket. Think of starch as Viagra for a handkerchief.

5. Pocket Watch. I don't care how expensive your Rolex or Tag Hueur is, wrist watches are far too casual for formal events. Get yourself an engraved pocket watch, and don't forget about the fob. Unfortunately, if you have no idea what a fob is, you just might be beyond help, in which case I would recommend getting a subscription to GQ or Esquire. These magazines provide a useful education for those interested in men's fashion.